There's a report out today saying that GM and BMW may join forces, with GM sharing the Voltec technology and BMW supplying gas engines to GM.

People automatically, and for good reason, figured that the engines would be for Cadillac.

However, what if GM commissioned BMW to build an engine for the Z28?

Seeing as how the V8 wouldn't be a Chevy V8, maybe a significant number of cubic inches isn't important, but just for the sake of doing so, I picked 283.

283 cubic inches is 4.6 liters. BMW currently has a 4.0L V8 making 414HP/295 lb-ft. Extrapolating these figures to a 4.6L engine would yield ~470HP/340 lb-ft.

I'm not even sure if BMW can enlarge their 4.0L V8, and if they can, if they would to throw it in a Camaro. This is also why I pick 283, and not 305 or 327, because I figure if they can enlarge it, they probably can't do so by a liter or more.

This engine would be almost ideal for a Z/28, at least for those who see the Z/28 as the road racing version of the Camaro.

Thoughts? I'm sure there will be plenty of protest in using a BMW engine in a Z28. It would probably cost way too much as well. Hard to sell 470HP/340lb-ft to people if it costs as much as a ZL1 with 580/566.

You have a link for this report? Can't see why GM would need BMW's help. Their engine technology is doing just fine, especially in the V-8 department. None of those engines from BMW that you suggested seem any better than an LS3 from what I can tell from your information.

The engine would be very high strung. At least 8000rpm redline (M3 is 8400rpm). Basically a engine that screams like a racing engine.

Not the greatest for daily driving, but isn't the Z/28 supposed to be the road track car?

What's wrong with 420lbs of torque from the ls3? The LS3 is physically smaller, lighter and more powerful than BMW 4.0 V8 which weighs 450lbs. (LS3 weighs about 420lbs). For the cost I'd rather have a LS7 which rapes BMW V8